There’s something magical about a simple one-pot pasta dish: the aroma, the colors, the rich flavors, and the cozy warmth that fills the kitchen. This beef & pepper ribbon pasta is one of those meals that turns basic ingredients into a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you crave a bowl of pure comfort.
With tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, sweet peppers, onions, tomatoes, and just the right balance of seasoning, every bite is rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
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What Makes This Dish Special?
This isn’t your average skillet pasta. The wide ribbons soak up the sauce beautifully, giving every forkful a perfect blend of beef, veggies, and flavor. The peppers add sweetness and color, the onions add depth, and the tomato-based sauce gently coats everything without being too heavy.
It’s a dish that feels homey, nostalgic, and comforting—like the meals many of us grew up with.
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Ingredients You Need
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (or fresh chopped)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional for richness)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 3 cups beef broth
• 10–12 oz wide egg noodles (or ribbon pasta)
• Fresh parsley for garnish
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How to Make It
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onions and cook until softened. Stir in garlic until fragrant.
2. Brown the Beef
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Add the Veggies
Stir in the diced red and green peppers. Let them soften slightly; they add natural sweetness and color.
4. Build the Sauce
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Mix well.
5. Add the Pasta
Pour in the beef broth, add the noodles, and push them into the liquid. Cover and let everything simmer until the noodles are tender.
6. Finish & Serve
Once the sauce thickens and the noodles are cooked, taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley.
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Tips for the Best Flavor
• Let the beef really brown — color equals flavor.
• Use beef broth instead of water for a deeper, richer sauce.
• Don’t overcook the noodles — they should stay slightly firm.
• Add a handful of cheese at the end for a creamy twist.
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Serving Suggestions
This skillet pasta pairs perfectly with:
• Garlic bread
• A fresh green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Parmesan on top
• A squeeze of lemon for brightness
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Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Recipe
• Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes
• Simple: Uses pantry staples
• One-pot: Easy cleanup
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults both love it
• Flexible: You can add veggies, cheese, or spices
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Final Thoughts
This beef & pepper ribbon pasta is the perfect recipe for anyone looking for a hearty, flavor-packed meal that’s easy to make and loved by all. It’s colorful, comforting, and deeply satisfying — the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile.